How do I successfully change out a light switch?

My light switch started to smoke. I bought a new switch and replaced the wires just as they were on the previous switch, but no light! How do I know which wires to hook up where?How do I successfully change out a light switch?If light was on when the switch starting smoking, then the problem could be in the light or in the wiring. You should get a volt meter and measure across the switch and see if you have power. If uncertain about what to do, call a electrician or knowledgeable friend, you could burn down the house.How do I successfully change out a light switch?Check the fuse or circuit breaker first to see if the circuit is complete.



If still no go, read up on polarity, which might have been the original problem.How do I successfully change out a light switch?was it the switch itself that smoked or did the smoke come out from inside of the switch box... may just be a lose connection in the box... a single pole light switch (meaning only 2 wires connect to the switch) can be connected to either terminal of the switch itself...How do I successfully change out a light switch?there should be 2 black wires going to the switch unless it's a 3 way . look in the gang box and try to see which set of wires look like they are going to the light that black one should go to the top of the switch and the other to the bottom. if you have no light grt a working bulb put in the light try it again . if still no light check your white wires that they are tightly secured to each other.